Imphal: Security forces detected a significant cache of arms and explosives following the arrest of three militants from different underground groups during multiple anti-insurgency operations in vulnerable areas across Manipur on Wednesday, officials reported on Thursday.
The first operation, conducted in G. Songgel village under Sangaikot Police Station in Churachandpur district, led to the recovery of three country-made bolt-action SBBL rifles, one country-made .303 bolt-action rifle with a magazine, a country-made 9mm pistol with a magazine, one PUMPI, six locally-made rocket shells, and two stun grenades.
During the second phase of the operation at the foothills of Kwarok Maring under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station, Thoubal district, the following items were recovered: one AK rifle with a magazine, one lethode gun, two SBBL guns, one No. 36 HE hand grenade, three grenades, two detonators, ten 7.62x51mm ammunition rounds, two helmets, and one bulletproof (BP) vest.
In a third operation, an active cadre of the banned People’s Liberation Army, identified as Koijam Sanatomba Singh (39), a native of Silchar Banskandi, Assam, currently residing in Wabagai Kadajit Maning Leikai, Kakching district, was captured from his residence. Seized from his possession were four .303 rounds, nine empty cases, one pair of tactical shoes, a muffler scarf, a P-Cap marked “MP Commando,” a camouflage muffler scarf, a tactical belt, and a mobile phone.
In a fourth operation, Nongmaithem Chingamba Meetei, alias Thoi (24), of Kumbi Bazar, Bishnupur district, an active cadre of the outlawed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak – Progressive (PREPAK-Pro), was apprehended at his rented house in Kwakeithel Lamdong Leikai under Singjamei Police Station, Imphal West district.
He was arrested along with a mobile phone, a pen drive, a wallet containing Rs 50 cash, and an Aadhaar card.
Finally, an active cadre of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba), Naorem Yaiphaba Singh, alias Keipha (20), of Sarouthel, Pangei, Imphal East district, was also arrested from Chanura Bazar under Nambol Police Station.